Bissonette Matched Fundraiser for WNYPC; Racial Justice; Camp Peaceprints

In our continued effort to limit digital overload through these intense times, we are again highlighting just a few important items and special upcoming events, and then refer you to our website for details on our regularly scheduled events and ‘Helping Hands’ resource list (including updated campaigns and fundraisers!). 

We are excited to announce the Fr. Joe Bissonette Fund for the Western New York Peace Center to sustain our ongoing work and prepare for even stronger social justice activism coming out of quarantine! In these challenging times, we know that this work is more important than ever. The WNY Peace Center struggles to discern and do its part and can only continue with your help. See our letter below our event listing for full details about this matchedfundraiser!

Our 13th annual youth summer camp, Camp Peaceprints, is now less than ten days away! Registration is still open with a sliding scale of up to $25/week, with scholarships readily available! Camp will be 100% online this year due to the public health crisis, but we offer games, recreation/physical activities, art projects, and music; plus wonderful guest presenters (activists and artists from the Buffalo area); and field trips to Machu Pichu, Peru and Nairobi, Kenya! Please register ASAP as we’ll be delivering packets with art supplies, etc. for use during camp.

Of course we also want stress racial justice issues – this mountain of work is not done! The stories of Quentin Suttles, Deyanna Davis, Miles Carter, Cariol Horne, and so many others each give very important insight to the lack of racial justice and police accountability in Buffalo. Daily activities continue at Niagara/Liberation Square at 4pm. Additionally, our own Racial Justice taskforce will be meeting more frequently, including planned alternating meetings likely at the Square (maybe Wednesday evening?), Zoom meetings, and Speakouts for Ethical Police Officers. Please keep an eye on our Event Calendar for updates.

Lastly, we want to mention that our radio show, Talking Peace with the WNY Peace Center, is on indefinite hiatus due to administrative and COVID-19-related issues. We should have our most recent shows on our website before long. In the meantime, please check out the whole of yesterday’s Democracy Now! Daily Show featuring Dr. Cornel West, Angela Davis, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, with a special reading of Frederick Douglass’ historic speech “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?” by James Earl Jones. 

Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)! We update our Event Calendar often as we learn of new events, so please be sure to check back regularly!

*** And lastly, a reminder to pace yourselves – no one can do it all. Let us know what kind of help you might need from the WNYPC; please feel free to reach out!

Peace, thanks, solidarity and yes – love.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

SAT, JULY 4TH @ NOON: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK & BROWN LIVES & A CALL TO ACTION

At Niagara Square, Buffalo. Face masks are REQUIRED and will be provided freely. Immediately following the event there will be a drive thru/walkup cookout at WUFO Power 96.5 in the African Heritage Corridor. Made possible by collaborative efforts of local Latinx and Black organizations. For questions, contact Zulmary Cruz, Event Organizer @ 716-563-1626 or Theareasa Land, Event Planner @ 716-444-2179.

SAT, JULY 4TH @ 6:45 PM: MUSLIM CONGRESS VIRTUAL TOWNHALL

On Zoom (Meeting ID 585 342 5863) and via livestream @MuslimCongress on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram. Featured speakers: Col. Larry Wilkerson; Mnar Muhawesh; Medea Benjamin; Dr. Ali Moosvi (Moderator). Limited spots available for audience questions – to participate, register for free at muslimcongress.org.

WEDS, JULY 8TH @ 5:30 PM: WNY YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT         

On Facebook LiveNYS Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act: The Most Aggressive State Climate Plan in the Nation, featuring Emily Dyett (WNY Environmental Allience, WNY Youth Climate Council) and Geovaira Hernandez. This workshop will give an overview of NYS’ boldest climate legislation bill passed in July 2019 and identify how we can engage our communities to ensure WNY will receive the resources for a just transition. Please bring sheets of blank scrap paper and markers to the workshop. 

SUNDAY, JULY 12TH @ 1:00 PM: MARCH FOR EDUCATION & ECONOMIC RACIAL JUSTICE

At Island Park, 5565 Main Street, Williamsville. We demand education and economic racial inequalities be acknowledged in the suburbs and greater Buffalo area. Cohosted by @716protests and the WNY Peace Center.

MONDAY, JULY 13TH @ 1:30 PM: CAMP PEACE PRINTS BEGINS!

Details above and at our website.

Since its founding in 1967 as a chapter of Rev. Dr. King’s Clergy and Laity Concerned, the Western New York Peace Center has worked for comprehensive justice, respect for all, and an end to war and violence at home and abroad.

Father A. Joseph Bissonette (1932-1987) was known throughout Western New York for his ministry in Buffalo’s inner city and his advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged. Consistent with that commitment, he chose to live with and as those he served. He was one of the founders of the El Salvador Medical Aid Project, for the injured in that country’s civil war; this project helped form the Latin American Solidarity Committee (LASC), a taskforce of the WNY Peace Center.

Recognizing the many challenges and opportunities of the present moment, the Fr. Joe Bissonette Foundation has committed to match any donation of $100 or more made during the months of July and August, up to a total of $5,000.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the WNY Peace Center Fr. Bissonette Fund, you may do so by following the steps below:

  • by check, made out to WNY Peace Center
    • sent to WNY Peace Center, 1272 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209
    • with memo: Fr. Bissonette Fund
  • online at http://wnypeace.org/wp/about/donate
    • PayPal or debit or credit card
    • with note: Fr. Bissonette Fund

We are at a fork in the road of the future of this country; we recognize the dire need for peace through justice at home and abroad in this moment. We are so grateful for your support of the Western New York Peace Center.

Sincerely,

Marie Schuster for the Western New York Peace Center Coordinating Board

#UNITE | #OneLove | #WeShallOvercome | #SiSePuede!